College concerns over future of White Paper on health inequalities

As reported by the Royal College of General Practitioners, Professor Martin Marshall said: “Reports that the Government is considering dropping plans to tackle inequalities in health are deeply concerning

Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“Practices serving more deprived populations receive around seven per cent

“Practices serving more deprived populations receive around seven per cent less funding per patient and have around 10% more patients per GP, than those serving more affluent populations. The RCGP has been calling for extra funding for practices serving the most deprived populations to recruit and retain staff in under-doctored areas, as part of a comprehensive review of the formula which determines how resources are allocated.

“That is why we are part of the 155 organisations who have signed a letter today urging the Health and Social Care Secretary to publish the planned health disparities white paper. We need cross governmental action to tackle the causes of health inequalities and lessen its impacts.”